South African music is alive and well. Accomplished singer / songwriter Lucy Kruger is proof of that. She’s originally from Johannesburg, but moved to Cape Town after completing her degree in music at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.
Lucy Kruger is not new to the SA Music industry. This young lady has been writing and performing her own material for more than six years. She started playing guitar because she wanted to write music. One of the first songs that she learned on guitar was Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You”. After hearing the song and feeling what it was to play with, she was hooked for life. After setting her heart on music she was constantly reminded how tough the music industry is.
Before we get into more about Lucy Kruger: She is performing on the 8th of June 2013 at the Rise & Shine Festival at Sandton Central Park and we’re giving away Two Double Tickets! Like / Share This Image on the Junk Mail Johannesburg Facebook page to enter later, but keep on reading for now.
She is a humble and hard-working artist. Lucy launched her debut album entitled ‘Cut Those Strings’ last year. The album was produced by Schalk Joubert and was engineered by Dave Langemann and features collaborations with artists like Inge Beeckman, Kevin Gibson, Melissa Van Der Spuy, Alert Frost and others.
This inspiring young artist has taken the South African music scene by storm with her fresh take on indie/alternative rock. Lucy won third place in the 2012 Barleycorn songwriting competition and ranked among the top 12 entries for last year’s Bushmill Band Search. She has performed at many music festivals around the country, including Up The Creek, Synergy Live, RAMFest, White Mountain Festival, Rock The River SA and the Grahamstown Arts Festival.
The first single off her debut album, “Four White Walls” was play-listed on MFM, RSG, UCT Radio, PUK FM, Kovsie FM, Zone Radio and other SA radio stations last year. Her sound is rooted in a rich tapestry of skillful and versatile vocals bolstered by soulful melodies. Have a listen to the song below and you’ll see what I mean.
I recently had the honor and privilege of interviewing Lucy Kruger before she departed on another tour, this is what she had to say.
What prompted you to start a career in music?
It is the thing that I am most in love with. I wanted to make the affair last.
Which venue / festival / concert series is your favorite to play at and why?
I really loved playing Up the Creek last year. The space is beautiful and the atmosphere just right. It is small enough to maintain intimacy while still maintaining the quality of the bigger festivals.
What are you currently working on?
I am just about to head up to Mozambique for STRAB Festival (which is a first for me) and it’s very exciting. Shortly after that I am going to Grahamstown (which was home not so long ago) for the National Arts Festival. Aside from the gigging, I am always writing. I think I am just about ready to try this album making thing again.
Would you say that Social Media like Facebook and Twitter has changed the way that you market your music and why?
I have been in this field for just under a year and a half now and since the start of it. Twitter and Facebook have played quite a big role in the marketing side of things. It is a platform that is easy and accessible not only to you but to everyone else. I have found it the most convenient way to communicate with listeners.
You are playing at Rise & Shine Festival in Johannesburg on the 8th of June. What excites you the most about this?
I grew up in Joburg and so it always quite a treat to come back and visit – especially if it is music that brings me there. It’s also wonderful to be a part of a festival that has such fantastic musicians and such an admirable focus.
Which musicians / artists do you look up to in the SA Music scene and why?
I have met a lot of people and made a lot of wonderful friends since entering this industry and have a huge amount of respect for those who have continued to make the music that they believe in and are proud of, regardless of any pressure to do otherwise. I am busy touring with Shotgun Tori and am constantly amazed by her work ethic. Making a living off music is not for the faint-hearted.
What are your thoughts about the SA Music industry in general?
Sho… It’s obviously not an easy space in which to be, but I am not planning on going anywhere. One of the things I love most about the industry and particularly the Cape Town scene is the sense of collaboration. A lot of the musicians are very supportive of one another and seem to be in it for the right reasons. I am only just beginning to play outside of Cape Town but have had a pretty good ride so far. I suppose as long as I feel there is forward movement in this whole journey, then I am happy to keep on going.
If people are looking to interact with you online, how can they reach you?
Facebook and Twitter are the easiest in terms of getting hold of me and staying updated in terms of gigs, etc. Check out my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter via @lucy_kruger. And in case you were wondering, the easiest way to get hold of my music is on SA iTunes.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lucy Kruger for taking time to answer these questions and wish her all of the best with her promising musical career ahead.
Remember! We’re still giving away those Two Double Ticket to Rise & Shine Festival!
Please take note of Terms and Conditions of the competition below:
- This competition closes on the 5th of June 2013. Winners will be announced on the day at 1 PM on the Junk Mail Classifieds Facebook page and the @junkmailcoza Twitter profile.
- This competition is NOT open to Junk Mail employees.
- If the winner does not respond to the news of his/her prize within 2 hours, then he/she forfeits the prize and there will be a re-draw and new winner announcement.
Spread the word about Lucy Kruger and the brand new Junk Mail competition. Share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Sharing is caring after all.
Watch this space for regular updates in the Fun Corner and Competitions categories on the Junk Mail Blog.
